Outdoor spa covering device

ABSTRACT

An outdoor spa covering device includes a frame member having generally vertical supports, first generally horizontal supports, second generally horizontal supports, roof supports, and first, second, third, and fourth connecting mechanisms. The first connecting mechanism removably connects such first generally horizontal supports at first ends and second ends thereof generally adjacent to first ends of such generally vertical supports. The second connecting mechanism removably connects such second generally horizontal supports at first ends and second ends thereof generally adjacent to second ends of such generally vertical supports. The third connecting mechanism removably connects such roof supports at first ends thereof generally adjacent to at least one of second ends of such generally vertical supports, predetermined locations on such second generally horizontal supports, and a combination thereof. The fourth connecting mechanism removably connects the second ends of such roof supports. A covering member covers such frame member.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to tent-like devices and,more particularly, this invention relates to a device for covering anoutdoor spa.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prior to the conception and development of the present invention, tents,as are generally well known in the prior art, have been used to provideshelter for campers. Party tents have sometimes been used to affordshelter from sunlight and rain for picnickers. However, there exists aneed for a device which can be used to cover an outdoor spa and providefull and partial shelter from wind, rain, other inclement weather andsunlight as desired, as well as provide varying degrees of privacy andwhich will enable year-round usage of such outdoor spa.

Specifically of interest to the present invention are the following:Barovetto, U.S. Pat. No. 5,745,932 discloses a hot tub cover andenclosure which, when in a closed position, forms a waterproof cover fora hot tub and a sloping surface to shed snow and water while the hot tubis not in use, and when in an open position, provides privacy screeningand wind protection.

Sitzmann, U.S. Pat. No. 6,212,702, discloses a lightweight, spa coverkit. The cover kit includes a square or rectangular-shaped overhead cappivotally attached at two corners along one end to two dual hingedsupport posts. The cap is made of lightweight, weather-proof material,such as molded fiberglass, and may include skylights to allow naturallight through during use. The lower end of each dual hinged support postis pivotally attached to the deck surface on which the spa sits.

Gray, U.S. Pat. No. 6,374,433 discloses a moveable hot tub coverstructure which removably covers a hot tub and includes at least onerail structure mounted generally adjacent the hot tub and extendingoutwards therefrom and a rigid hot tub cover structure including atleast two upright walls having bases and upper sections and a roofextending between and connecting the at least two upright walls adjacentupper sections thereof such that the roof is spaced from the bases ofthe upright walls to permit the rigid hot tub cover structure to enclosethe hot tub and be used with the rigid hot tub cover structure thereon.At least two rail-engaging wheels are mounted on the rigid hot tub coverstructure. The wheels are operative to rollably engage the railstructure. A drive device, such as a garage door opener-type chaindrive, is operatively connected to the hot tub cover structure forrollably moving the rigid hot tub cover structure on the rail structurebetween a hot tub covering position over and above the hot tub and aposition in which the hot tub is uncovered.

Aragona, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,246,663, discloses a generallyhemispherical dome designed to cover a hot tub and comprises a pair ofsuccessively smaller spherical shells, generally quadrantal inconfiguration, which are pivotally connected to a pin member verticallydisposed through the superimposed apexes of the respective shells. Adeck surrounding the perimeter of the hot tub provides basal support tothe shells as well as a bearing surface for roller wheels attached alongthe base of the smaller shell. Upon affixation of the larger shell tothe deck the smaller shell is rotated about the pin member through arange of superjacent positions relative to the fixed shell. A pluralityof arcuate ribs form the framework of each shell. The ribs are adaptedto support canopy material.

Wilson, et al, U.S. Publication No. 2005/0108817, discloses acollapsable spa enclosure which includes a canopy that is carried by aframe that is supported by a plurality of support blocks. The supportblocks are connected to the outer surface of the spa with an adhesive ora clamping strap. The collapsable spa enclosure may be removed from thespa by detaching the frame from the support blocks. The frame may becollapsed into a convenient storage size. When erected over the spa, theenclosure protects the spa user from insects, sun, and wind whileproviding the user privacy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an outdoor spa covering device. Suchdevice includes a frame member and a covering member. Such frame memberincludes a plurality of generally vertical support members, a pluralityof first generally horizontal support members, a plurality of secondgenerally horizontal support members, a plurality of roof supportmembers, a first connecting means, a second connecting means, a thirdconnecting means, and a fourth connecting means. The plurality ofgenerally vertical support members each have a first end and a secondend and are manufactured from a first predetermined material and have afirst predetermined size and a first predetermined shape. The pluralityof first generally horizontal support members each have a first end anda second end and are manufactured from a second predetermined materialand have a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape.The first connecting means removably connects each of the plurality offirst generally horizontal support members at each of such first endsand such second ends thereof generally adjacent to such first ends ofthe plurality of generally vertical support members. The plurality ofsecond generally horizontal support members each have a first end and asecond end and are manufactured from a third predetermined material andhave a third predetermined size and a third predetermined shape. Thesecond connecting means removably connects each of the plurality ofsecond generally horizontal support members at each of such first endsand such second ends thereof generally adjacent to each of such secondends of the plurality of generally vertical support members. Theplurality of roof support members have a first end and a second end andare manufactured from a fourth predetermined material and having afourth predetermined size and a fourth predetermined shape. The thirdconnecting means removably connects each of the plurality of roofsupport members at each of such first ends thereof generally adjacent toat least one of such second ends of the plurality of generally verticalsupport members, a predetermined location on each of the plurality ofsecond generally horizontal support members, and a combination thereof.The fourth connecting means removably connects each of the plurality ofroof support members at such second ends thereof closely adjacent eachother. The covering member has at least one of at least one sideportion, at least one top portion, and a combination thereof and ismanufactured from a fifth predetermined material and has a fifthpredetermined shape and a fifth predetermined size. The covering memberremovably covers the frame member.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention toprovide a covering device for an outdoor spa which will protect peoplewithin the covering device from wind, inclement weather, sun exposure,insects, dust, pollution and the like.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an outdoor spacovering device which has an expandable frame for fitting over varioussized spa units.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a coveringdevice for an outdoor spa, such covering device having at least one ofat least one window-type member, at least one door-type member, at leastone sun roof type member and a combination thereof.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a portablecovering device for an outdoor spa which includes side panels that canbe rolled up or folded up to enable a user to enjoy privacy as desired.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide an outdoorspa covering that includes a covering member having a heavy duty flaptype skirt along a bottom edge thereof for restricting outside air fromentering the area within the covering member. The flap type skirt maywrap around a bottom horizontal portion of a frame member which supportssuch covering member thereby further restricting outside air flow.

In addition to the various objects and advantages of the presentinvention described with some degree of specificity above it should beobvious that additional objects and advantages of the present inventionwill become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled inthe relevant art from the following more detailed description of theinvention, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunctionwith the attached drawing figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to oneembodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF A PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND VARIOUS ALTERNATIVEEMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the presentinvention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity andunderstanding, identical components which have identical functions havebeen identified with identical reference numerals throughout the severalviews illustrated in the drawing figures.

Reference is now made, more particularly, to FIGS. 1-5.

An outdoor spa covering device, generally designated 10, is provided.Such device 10 includes a frame member, generally designated 12, and acovering member, 14.

Such frame member 12 includes a plurality of generally vertical supportmembers 16, a plurality of first generally horizontal support members18, a plurality of second generally horizontal support members 22, aplurality of roof support members 24, a first connecting means 26, asecond connecting means 28, a third connecting means 32, and a fourthconnecting means 34.

The plurality of generally vertical support members 16 each have a firstend 36 and a second end 38 and are manufactured from a firstpredetermined material and have a first predetermined size and a firstpredetermined shape.

The plurality of first generally horizontal support members 18 each havea first end 42 and a second end 44 and are manufactured from a secondpredetermined material and have a second predetermined size and a secondpredetermined shape.

The first connecting means 26 removably connects each of the pluralityof first generally horizontal support members 18 at each of such firstends 42 and such second ends 44 thereof generally adjacent to such firstends 36 of the plurality of generally vertical support members 16.

It is presently preferred that such first connecting means 26 furtherincludes an anchoring means 31 operably connectable to such firstconnecting means 26 at a predetermined location thereon and operablyanchorable into at least one of dirt, ground, and flooring for securingsuch frame member 12 into such at least one of such dirt, ground andflooring.

The plurality of second generally horizontal support members 22 eachhave a first end 46 and a second end 48 and are manufactured from athird predetermined material and have a third predetermined size and athird predetermined shape.

The second connecting means 28 removably connects each of the pluralityof second generally horizontal support members 22 at each of such firstends 46 and such second ends 48 thereof generally adjacent to each ofsuch second ends 38 of the plurality of generally vertical supportmembers 16.

The plurality of roof support members 24 each have a first end 52 and asecond end 54 and are manufactured from a fourth predetermined materialand having a fourth predetermined size and a fourth predetermined shape.

The third connecting means 32 removably connects each of the pluralityof roof support members 24 at each of such first ends 52 thereofgenerally adjacent to at least one of such second ends 38 of theplurality of generally vertical support members 16, a predeterminedlocation on each of the plurality of second generally horizontal supportmembers 22, and a combination thereof.

The fourth connecting means 34 removably connects each of the pluralityof roof support members 24 at such second ends 54 thereof.

It is presently preferred that such roof support members 24 are at apredetermined angle from at least one of said second generallyhorizontal support members 22 and said generally vertical supportmembers 16 such that such second ends 54 of the roof support members 24are at a predetermined elevation from such first ends 52 thereof.

It is further presently preferred that such predetermined distance isbetween about 3.0 feet and about 5.0 feet.

The covering member 14 has at least one of at least one side portion 62,at least one top portion 64, and a combination thereof and ismanufactured from a fifth predetermined material and has a fifthpredetermined shape and a fifth predetermined size. The covering member14 removably covers the frame member 12.

It is presently preferred that at least one of the first generallyhorizontal support members 18, the generally vertical support members16, the second generally horizontal support members 22, the roof supportmembers 24, and a combination thereof are telescoping to allow a user toadjust the outdoor spa covering device 10 to a desired size.

It is presently preferred that at least one of the first generallyhorizontal support members 18, the generally vertical support members16, the second generally horizontal support members 22, the roof supportmembers 24, and a combination thereof include at least one of shock cordtelescoping means and detent and aperture telescoping means disposed atpredetermined locations thereon for enabling a user to adjust the lengthof at least one of the first generally horizontal support members 18,the generally vertical support members 16, the second generallyhorizontal support members 22, the roof support members 24, and acombination thereof. Although such shock cord and detent and aperturetelescoping means are presently preferred, the device is not meant to belimited as such and any known telescoping means may be used which willachieve the desired results. Furthermore, such telescoping means mayalso be used as a leveling means.

It is presently preferred that such covering member 14 is flexible. Itis further presently preferred that such covering member 14 isinsulated.

It is presently preferred that such at least one side portion 62 of suchcovering member 14 is divided into a predetermined number ofsub-portions 66. It is presently preferred that such at least one ofsuch predetermined number of sub-portions 66 are at least one ofremovable, foldable and rollable at least one of upwards, downwards, andsideways. It is further presently preferred that at least one of suchcovering member 14 and such frame member 12 further includes a means 68for securing such at least one sub-portion 66 in at least one of apredetermined position. For example, hook and loop type securing meansmay be used to secure such covering member in such predeterminedposition. Furthermore, such sub-portions 66 may overlap each other suchthat air outside such covering member 14 flowing within such coveringmember 14 is limited.

According to one embodiment, such sub-portions 66 are at least one offoldable and rollable such that the covering member 14 may be adjustedin size. According to another embodiment, such sub-portions 66 may befolded or rolled and secured such that a user may determine the degreeto which an outdoor spa 76 is enclosed and therefore the degree ofprivacy enjoyed by the person or persons within. For example, in FIG. 3and FIG. 4 such spa 76 is only partially enclosed but in FIG. 2 such spa76 is completely enclosed.

It is further presently preferred that such outdoor spa covering device10 further includes a securing means 72 for securing the covering member14 to the frame member 12 at predetermined locations thereon.

It is presently preferred that such covering member 14 further includesa skirt type member 78 disposed on the covering member 14 closelyadjacent a lower edge 82 thereof for reducing the amount of outdoor airentering into an area within such covering member 14 when such coveringmember 14 has been placed over such frame member 12. It is presentlypreferred that such skirt type member 78 is a flap type member 84. It ismeant that such flap type member 84 may be placed underneath suchplurality of first generally horizontal support members 18 therebyfurther insulating the area within such covering member 14 from outdoorair flow.

It is presently preferred that such covering member 14 includes at leastone door member 86 manufactured from a sixth predetermined material andhaving a sixth predetermined size and a sixth predetermined shape andbeing operably disposed on a predetermined portion of such at least oneside portion 62 of such covering member 14 at a predetermined locationthereon. It is further presently preferred that such at least one doormember 86 is able to be secured in at least one of an open position anda closed position. It is further presently preferred that such at leastone door member 86 is a zipper type door member. However, the inventionis not meant to be limited as such and any type of door may be utilizedwhich serves the purpose of allowing ingress and egress into the areacovered by such covering member 14.

It is presently preferred that such covering member 14 includes at leastone window member 88 manufactured from a seventh predetermined materialand having a seventh predetermined size and a seventh predeterminedshape and being operably disposed on a predetermined side portion 62 ofsuch covering member 14 at a predetermined location thereon. It ispresently preferred that such seventh predetermined material is plastic.It is further presently preferred that such plastic is flexible. It isfurther presently preferred that such at least one window member 88 isable to be secured in at least one of an open position and a closedposition. It is further presently preferred that such at least onewindow 88 is removable.

It is presently preferred that such covering member 14 includes at leastone sun roof type member 92 manufactured from an eighth predeterminedmaterial and having an eighth predetermined size and an eighthpredetermined shape and being operably disposed on the top portion 64 ofsuch covering member 14 at a predetermined location thereon. It isfurther presently preferred that such sun roof type member 92 is able tobe secured in at least one of an open and a closed position. It isfurther presently preferred that such at least one sun roof type member92 is removable.

It is presently preferred that such first predetermined material is ametal. It is presently preferred that such metal is selected from thegroup consisting of aluminum and galvanized steel. It is furtherpresently preferred that such first predetermined material, such secondpredetermined material, such third predetermined material, and suchfourth predetermined material are substantially identical.

It is presently preferred that such fifth predetermined material is atleast one of weather resistant, water resistant, fluid resistant, and acombination thereof. It is presently preferred that such fifthpredetermined material is water impervious. It is further presentlypreferred that such fifth predetermined material is at least one ofvinyl, nylon, nylon taffeta, rip stop nylon, polyester, canvas, cottoncanvas, and a combination thereof. It is presently most preferred thatsuch fifth predetermined material is polyester.

It is presently preferred that such fifth predetermined materialincludes a water impervious coating disposed thereon at a predeterminedlocation. It is further presently preferred that such fifthpredetermined material is mold and mildew resistant. It is furtherpresently preferred that such fifth predetermined material is UVresistant.

It is presently preferred that the first generally horizontal supportmembers 18 and the second generally horizontal support members 22 areeach between about 8.0 feet and about 18.0 feet long. It is furtherpresently preferred that such generally vertical support members 16 areeach between about 5.0 feet and 7.0 feet long.

It is presently preferred that such spa covering device 10 includes ananchoring means 31 for anchoring such frame member 12 in place.

While a presently preferred and various alternative embodiments of thepresent invention have been described in sufficient detail above toenable a person skilled in the relevant art to make and use the same itshould be obvious that various other adaptations and modifications canbe envisioned by those persons skilled in such art without departingfrom either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appendedclaims.

1. An outdoor spa covering device comprising: a. A frame memberincluding; i. a plurality of generally vertical support members eachhaving a first end and a second end and being manufactured from a firstpredetermined material and having a first predetermined size and a firstpredetermined shape; ii. a plurality of first generally horizontalsupport members each having a first end and a second end and beingmanufactured from a second predetermined material and having a secondpredetermined size and a second predetermined shape; iii. a firstconnecting means for removably connecting each of said plurality offirst generally horizontal support members at each of said first endsand said second ends thereof generally adjacent to said first ends ofsaid plurality of generally vertical support members; iv. a plurality ofsecond generally horizontal support members each having a first end anda second end and being manufactured from a third predetermined materialand having a third predetermined size and a third predetermined shape;v. a second connecting means for removably connecting each of saidplurality of second generally horizontal support members at each of saidfirst ends and said second ends thereof generally adjacent to each ofsaid second ends of said plurality of generally vertical supportmembers; vi. a plurality of roof support members having a first end anda second end and being manufactured from a fourth predetermined materialand having a fourth predetermined size and a fourth predetermined shape;vii. a third connecting means for removably connecting each of saidplurality of roof support members at each of said first ends thereofgenerally adjacent to at least one of said second ends of said pluralityof generally vertical support members, a predetermined location on eachof said plurality of second generally horizontal support members, and acombination thereof; viii. a fourth connecting means for removablyconnecting each of said plurality of roof support members at said secondends thereof; and b. a covering member having at least one of at leastone side portion, at least one top portion, and a combination thereofsaid covering member being manufactured from a fifth predeterminedmaterial and having a fifth predetermined shape and a fifthpredetermined size, and said covering member being for removablycovering said frame member.
 2. An outdoor spa covering device accordingto claim 1 wherein said roof support members are at a predeterminedangle from at least one of said second generally horizontal supportmembers and said generally vertical support members such that saidsecond ends of said roof support members are at a predeterminedelevation from said first ends thereof.
 3. An outdoor spa coveringdevice according to claim 2 wherein said predetermined distance isbetween about 3.0 feet and about 5.0 feet.
 4. An outdoor spa coveringdevice according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said first generallyhorizontal support members, said generally vertical support members,said second generally horizontal support members, said roof supportmembers, and a combination thereof are telescoping.
 5. An outdoor spacovering device according to claim 1 wherein said at least one sideportion is divided into a predetermined number of sub-portions andfurther includes a means for preventing airflow adjacent a cornerportion.
 6. An outdoor spa covering device according to claim 5 whereinsaid at least one of said predetermined number of sub-portions is atleast one of, removable, foldable and rollable at least one of upwards,downwards, and sideways and wherein at least one of said covering memberand said frame member further includes a means for securing said atleast one sub-portion in at least one of a predetermined position.
 7. Anoutdoor spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said coveringdevice further includes a securing means for securing said coveringmember to said frame member at predetermined locations thereon.
 8. Anoutdoor spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said coveringmember further includes a skirt type member disposed on said coveringmember closely adjacent a lower edge thereof for reducing the amount ofoutdoor air entering into an area within said covering member when saidcovering member has been placed over said frame member.
 9. An outdoorspa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said first connectingmeans further includes an anchoring means operably connectable to saidfirst connecting means at a predetermined location thereon and operablyanchorable into at least one of dirt, ground, and flooring for securingsaid frame member into said at least one of said dirt, ground andflooring.
 10. An outdoor spa covering device according to claim 1wherein said covering member includes at least one door membermanufactured from a sixth predetermined material and having a sixthpredetermined size and a sixth predetermined shape and being operablydisposed on a predetermined portion of said at least one side portion ata predetermined location thereon.
 11. An outdoor spa covering deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein said covering member includes at least onewindow member manufactured from a seventh predetermined material andhaving a seventh predetermined size and a seventh predetermined shapeand being operably disposed on a predetermined side portion of saidcovering member at a predetermined location thereon.
 12. An outdoor spacovering device according to claim 1 wherein said covering memberincludes at least one sun roof type member manufactured from an eighthpredetermined material and having an eighth predetermined size and aneighth predetermined shape and being operably disposed on said topportion of said covering member at a predetermined location thereon. 13.An outdoor spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said firstpredetermined material is a metal.
 14. An outdoor spa covering deviceaccording to claim 13 wherein said metal is selected from aluminum andgalvanized steel.
 15. An outdoor spa covering device according to claim1 wherein said fifth predetermined material is at least one of weatherresistant, water resistant, fluid resistant, and a combination thereof.16. An outdoor spa covering device according to claim 15 wherein saidfifth predetermined material is at least one of vinyl, nylon, nylontaffeta, rip stop nylon, polyester, canvas, cotton canvas, and acombination thereof.
 17. An outdoor spa covering device according toclaim 16 wherein said fifth predetermined material is polyester.
 18. Anoutdoor spa covering device according to claim 1 wherein said fifthpredetermined material is water impervious.
 19. An outdoor spa coveringdevice according to claim 1 wherein said first generally horizontalsupport members and said second generally horizontal support members areeach between about 8.0 feet and about 18.0 feet long.
 20. An outdoor spacovering device according to claim 1 wherein said generally verticalsupport members are each between about 5.0 feet and 7.0 feet long.